What are the requirements for sequence listings in PCT applications filed on or after July 1, 2022?

For PCT applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, sequence listings must comply with WIPO Standard ST.26. The key requirements are:

  • Sequence listings must be in a standardized electronic eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format, referred to as “Sequence Listing XML”.
  • The sequence listing must be a separate part of the specification.
  • Sequences in the description, claims, or drawings must be referred to by their sequence identifier preceded by “SEQ ID NO:”.

As stated in the MPEP: Patent applications that contain disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, as defined in WIPO ST.26 must present the associated biological sequence data in a standardized electronic eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format, or a “Sequence Listing XML” as a separate part of the specification.

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Tags: PCT, Sequence Listings, wipo st.26, xml